UPDATE: Penobscot County leaders have just approved a staggering $35.3 million budget for 2026, a significant increase from last year’s $34.5 million. This unanimous decision came during the county commissioners’ final meeting of the year on December 13, 2023, as the region grapples with a mounting jail funding crisis.
The budget approval by commissioners Andre Cushing, Dave Marshall, and Dan Tremble was driven by a critical $3.5 million shortfall in the county jail budget, which has raised urgent concerns about local public safety and fiscal responsibility. The commissioners faced pressure after discovering a $7 million crisis stemming from prior funding methods that relied on undesignated funds.
This year’s budget process was notably more contentious than in previous years, with the commissioners initially proposing a $36.1 million budget. However, a 15-member budget advisory committee recommended a lower $35.1 million budget, necessitating cuts and adjustments to departmental allocations. Ultimately, the commissioners cut approximately $850,000 in expenditures while identifying an additional $150,000 in revenue, thus reducing the tax burden by nearly $1 million.
Last-minute modifications included an additional $50,000 for building improvements and $20,000 for transitional funds between the interim County Administrator and the future hire. The total budget for 2026 now represents a roughly 15.6% increase from the previous year, directly impacting property taxes for residents. According to County Treasurer Glenn Mower, homeowners in Bangor will see an increase of 21 cents per $1,000 of property value, raising the tax rate to $17.91 per $1,000.
Commissioners emphasized that the budget increases are not due to departmental expansions but are a response to jail funding shortages. Tremble noted, “It’s a big increase, but the facts are, if you look at the county department by department, there aren’t any huge increases in the budget this year.” The pressing need for a new jail facility and increased state funding has been highlighted as crucial to resolving the ongoing fiscal challenges.
Officials are discussing plans for a public vote in June 2026 on a bond for a new jail, which could potentially mitigate the current budget crisis by decreasing the number of inmates housed externally. However, Tremble cautioned that merely constructing a new facility will not address the root of the financial issues. “The problem is not going to be solved until the state steps up and funds the jails the way that it’s supposed to be funding,” he stated.
As Penobscot County navigates these budgetary challenges, the implications for public safety and community resources remain critical. Residents and stakeholders are urged to stay tuned for updates on the proposed jail bond and further budget developments.
